mental health services

The easiest way to refer into our services is by using our online referral form available on our services page or via this link. You can also refer by emailing frontdesk@thehealthagency.org.uk or by calling reception on 0131 453 9400

All our services are FREE unless marked (£) and are available to anybody living in South West Edinburgh. Please note many of our activities are currently being held online, you will be advised at time of initial appointment if this is the case.

THE HEALTH AGENCY SERVICES AND GROUPS

COUNSELLING SERVICE

1-1 counselling provides a safe space to talk about problems and issues that may be troubling you. You will be encouraged to talk about your feelings and emotions, while the counsellor supports you to find solutions to your problems. Service offered for 12 weeks.

COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY (CBT)

CBT is a 1-1 talking therapy that can help you manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave. CBT can help you change negative patterns to improve the way you feel. Service offered for 16 weeks.

WOMENS GROUP -Thursday 11am – 12.30pm

A weekly wellbeing group for local women to meet new people, support each other and take part in activities of the groups own choice. These can include cooking, arts and crafts, creative writing, painting, outings, talks from organisations, issue-based workshops and more.

CARERS GROUP – Friday 10.30am -12.30pm

Caring can be a stressful & isolating experience. This weekly group is a chance for carers to come together, support each other and have some time for themselves. The group decides on different activities each week.

WILLOW GARDENING GROUP – Tuesday 1pm-4pm

The Willow Gardening Group is a weekly supported gardening group for those interested in getting involved in their local community garden. The group meets at 1pm at the Calders Community Garden and takes part in different activities each week.

WESTER HAILES WALKING GROUP – Thursday 10.30am

Come join us for a gentle paced health walk for up to an hour around the local area. The Health Agency Walking Group meets every Thursday 10.30am outside Wester Hailes Health Living Centre (Wester Hailes Train Station entrance). Pre booking required.

MENS WELLBEING COURSE – Coming soon

Do you want to feel better? If yes, then this 5-week online men’s wellbeing coaching course is for you. Sessions will take place weekly on Zoom and will focus on moving forward from a place of anxiety, doubt and overwhelm to a place of excitement, motivation, and energy, teaching practical and effective tools to feel better.

IN OUR HANDS WOMENS HEALTH COURSE – Starts Tuesday 29^th June, 1-3pm

This 5-week online women’s health course will focus on tools, practices, remedies and resources for relaxation, reconnection, and resilience. It will explore meditations for relaxation and look at the effects of trauma in the body and mind, providing tools and practices for support and healing.

TAKING CARE OF OURSELVES COURSE- Starts Tuesday 6^th July, 10.30-1pm

This 8-week online course is for anyone who wants to become more able to manage stress and anxiety and make positive changes. The course will explore relaxation, meditation, coping skills and self-care.

MINDFULNESS COURSE- Starts Thursday 5^th August, 1.30-3.30pm

This 8-week online course will teach people techniques and skills to become more mindful in everyday life. You will learn to gather the scattered mind, recognise reactivity to learn to let go and respond skilfully to thoughts. The course will take place online via Zoom.

THE HEALTH AGENCY PROJECTS

ACTIVE STEPS        

Active Steps is run in partnership with Health All Round and aims to support people to become more physically active & maintain a healthy diet in the long term through online and face-to-face exercise classes, access to gym and swim, and health behaviour change programmes. We will help you to make small changes in your everyday routines that will set you on track for a healthier lifestyle.

TASTING CHANGE

Tasting Change promotes positive food and health opportunities in SW Edinburgh. Activities include the garden kitchen community take away meal, volunteer opportunities, cooking groups and healthy eating workshops for parents and families, for those interested in gaining new skills in the kitchen and learning about meal planning and nutrition.

GARDEN KITCHEN COMMUNITY TAKE AWAY MEAL – Wednesday 1-2pm

A delicious takeaway lunch is available at our garden gate outside The Health Agency, every Wednesday between 1pm and 2pm. All the meals are freshly prepared and include produce grown locally. Grass Roots Remedies will also join us every second week handing out free herbal remedies and health advice. Everyone is welcome & social distancing rules will apply 

WESTERHAVEN CANCER SUPPORT SERVICE

Supports people living in South West Edinburgh who are affected by cancer, including carers, family members and the bereaved. Offering a range of services including information & support, 1 to 1 support, check in calls, yoga therapy, counselling, CBT, relaxation/coaching, healthy eating project, benefits advice, and group work.

WESTERHAVEN LONG-TERM CONDITIONS PROJECT

Supports people affected by chronic long-term conditions such as COPD and heart failure and long Covid. Offering a range of services including information and support, check in calls, yoga therapy, counselling, CBT and group work, referrals to gentle exercise programme and healthy eating project.

OTHER PROJECTS AT THE HEALTH AGENCY

HERBAL MEDICINE CLINIC (£)

Grass Roots Remedies offers affordable herbal consultations & medicines on a donation basis for local residents & staff based in Healthy Living Centre. For more info contact: Ally: clinic@grassrootsremedies.co.uk

The Health Agency is a Company Limited by Guarantee, registered in Scotland No. 181430, and a Registered Charity in Scotland No 027773.